History

The Order is the highest award conferred within North Korea.

This order is awarded on April 15 every year to people or organizations for “outstanding services to the Republic of the Korean nation”.

The image of Kim Il Sung featured on the obverse of the badge has been revised several times. The most recent change was made in 2000, but the previous design featured a stern Kim Il Sung in the Maoist people's uniform in profile, and the new 2000 design features a "sun portrait" of Kim Il Sung, wherein he is smiling and wearing a suit.The badge featuring the stern portrait of Kim Il Sung is circular, while the new badge featuring the "sun portrait" is shaped like a star.

Kim Jong-Il was awarded the order 4 times during his lifetime.

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